The murder trial of Erin Patterson has been unfolding at the Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court in Morwell, Victoria, drawing intense attention.
Patterson, a 50-year-old accused chef, stands charged with the murder of her in-laws after allegedly serving them a deadly meal.
The case is filled with drama, forensic evidence, and emotional testimonies that have kept the courtroom tense.
The Service Station Stop and CCTV Evidence
One of the pieces of evidence highlighted during the trial was CCTV footage from a BP service station at Caldermeade, recorded the day after the infamous lunch on July 30, 2023.
Detective Senior Constable Khuong Tran described how the video showed Erin Patterson arriving in her red MG at around 3:20 pm.
The footage, which was played to the jury, revealed Patterson briefly using the service station’s restroom before browsing the store aisles.
She was seen picking up some food items — including sour candy, a ham, cheese and tomato sandwich, and a sweet chili chicken wrap — before paying and leaving.
This two-minute clip, supported by several still images, gave the court a glimpse into Patterson’s actions shortly after the alleged poisoning.
Health Issues Reported After the Lunch
Earlier in the trial, it was disclosed that Patterson had experienced vomiting and diarrhea in the days following the lunch she hosted.
This information came from her statements to hospital staff and added a layer of complexity to the case, hinting at possible exposure to the toxic mushrooms.
Questioning the Phone Location Evidence
During Tuesday’s proceedings, telecommunications expert Dr. Matthew Sorell faced tough questions from the defense’s lead barrister, Colin Mandy SC.
The defense challenged Dr. Sorell’s claim that Patterson’s phone had been detected in two areas known for death cap mushrooms near Gippsland, specifically Outtrim and Loch.
This part of the case aimed to cast doubt on the prosecution’s narrative linking Patterson’s phone movements to the mushroom hotspots.
Digital Forensics Explained to the Jury
Another expert called to testify was Victoria Police Cybercrime Squad’s Senior Digital Forensics Officer, Shamen Fox-Henry.
He explained how he conducts digital investigations on devices like computers and smartphones.
Using specialized software, Fox-Henry showed how he extracts data, converts it into readable formats, and searches for internet history and files that might be relevant to the investigation.
Patterson, dressed in a black and white striped top, listened quietly as Fox-Henry described how data recovered from phones and computers is compiled into what he called a “portable case” for police investigators to analyze.
The Charges Against Erin Patterson
At the heart of the trial is the accusation that Erin Patterson deliberately poisoned her in-laws — Don and Gail Patterson — as well as Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson.
The victims allegedly consumed a beef Wellington meal containing deadly death cap mushrooms, which caused their deaths.
Patterson also faces charges related to the attempted murder of Heather’s husband, Pastor Ian Wilkinson, who survived but spent weeks in intensive care.
Intriguingly, Patterson’s estranged husband Simon was invited to the lunch but did not attend.
Witness Testimonies and Alibis
Witnesses testified that Patterson used a different, smaller plate for her meal, distinct in color from the four grey plates used by the victims.
Patterson claimed she purchased dried mushrooms from an unnamed Asian grocery in Melbourne’s Monash area, but health inspectors found no evidence to support this.
Authorities have classified the poisoning as isolated to the meal served by Patterson, reinforcing the prosecution’s theory that the deadly lunch was no accident.
Family members, including Simon Patterson and Ian Wilkinson, gave emotional accounts of the tragic events.
Medical staff detailed the severe suffering caused by the death cap mushroom poisoning, painting a grim picture of the victims’ final days.
Mushroom Evidence and Phone Tracking
A crucial expert witness revealed that death cap mushrooms were found in debris from a dehydrator Patterson had discarded at a local tip.
Alongside this, Dr. Sorell’s testimony about Patterson’s phone being near mushroom hotspots added another piece to the puzzle linking her to the poisonous fungi.
The court was also shown CCTV footage of Patterson making a brief toilet stop at a Gippsland service station on the day following the lunch, adding to the timeline of events.